Sunday, July 12, 2009

Microsoft has been widely criticized by many different parties; bloated software and too much focus on money were among the cries of outrage against them.

In January 2008, Microsoft announced its first build of Windows 7 (codenamed Blackcomb). A year later, they released a beta that would be available to 2.5 million people. The download limit was reached in just a few hours, and they extended the limit several times to cope. More and more people wrote what their experience was with Windows 7, and as several large blogs such as Lifehacker and CNET wrote their own articles, media exploded with information about Windows 7.

This isn't unusual. Every time Microsoft creates a new Windows Operating System, it's a big deal. But one important detail was very, very different since the last version, Vista.

The feedback was positive.

The majority of the tech world loved Windows 7! Much of the excess bloated software and services that came with Windows Vista were all gone. The code was streamlined and all unnecessary features were removed. The taskbar, the central point for starting applications, was completely remodeled and provided a much cleaner, simpler experience.

I am currently using the Windows 7 Release Candidate on my laptop. (You can download it here, but I wouldn't advise you you to do so unless you have the skills to install it and the time to download it) It is much, much faster than any previous version of Windows. I personally can and will recommend Windows 7 to anybody, something I would definitely not have done with Vista.

The Bottom Line:

Windows 7 is not perfect, granted. However, I believe Microsoft is taking a huge step forward with this new operating system. If they keep up with this, I think they will have a much better future to look forward to.

While I certainly respect your opinion, I have to disagree with the positive light you're putting Windows 7 in. I installed one of the betas as well and I couldn't stand it. Windows 7 is essentially a repackaged version of Vista with some speed improvements and user interface changes. Under the hood and in use it is still very much like Vista, as even Steve Ballmer has said himself. Consumers and business users who have gotten used to XP for the past 8 years and hated everything about Vista will still not like switching to Windows 7. They might tolerate it, but it still won't be a pleasure to use. Isn't that what we all want? Something that we truly enjoy living with every day? Microsoft really needs to start fresh and go back to square one, kind of like Apple did about 10 years ago with OS X.

The usage of vista was not its weak point; Vista was so bloated and bogged down that it was hard to use it in the first place. Now that Microsoft took away everything unneeded and replaced it with useful features, I believe they have a new, better start.

If you want this to be a meaningful 'debate,' could you tell me if you are just a Vista hater or a 'Microsoft-in-general' hater.

I'm admittedly not a fan of Microsoft in general, but that's not just because I feel like being a hater. I truly believe they make subpar products, which do not appeal to me. I understand many people disagree and can live with what they put out. I do like the Xbox and Xbox 360, both of which I own.

The funny thing is I work at an IT/computer repair company so I'm around Windows all the time. I think XP is solid and mostly reliable. It's not fun to use, but it gets the job done. I agree Vista is a disaster. No use debating that. The problem with Windows 7 is I just don't like how it works. It's a personal preference. The marketable features and speed are fine. Although it's a step up from Vista it's still not enough. It's not intuitive to use and there are too many design & usability choices they made that I just don't agree with.

Your logical thinking has pretty much convinced me you're right. I agree that while Windows 7 is a great new OS, it isn't half as good as it SHOULD have been, and it only seems a breakthrough because of how horrible Vista was.

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There are so many details about technology that should be common knowledge - but isn't. This is a blog that'll keep you up-to-date with all the freshest tech available. I'll post pictures, videos, reviews, and my own personal opinion on each piece of hardware I show you! Hope you enjoy the site!